Aangespannen paarden 1880 - 1882

George Hendrik Breitner created this sketch of harnessed horses using graphite, capturing a moment of urban life with a raw, energetic immediacy. The composition is sparse, almost fleeting, with lines that suggest form and movement rather than define them precisely. The sketch emphasizes line and form; the horses are rendered with quick, gestural strokes. The texture created by the graphite on paper adds depth to the work, highlighting the contrast between the dense, shaded areas and the bare paper, thus creating a sense of depth. Breitner’s approach here destabilizes traditional notions of finish and detail, and instead emphasizes the process of seeing and recording. This sketch can be seen as a semiotic exercise, where simple lines act as signs referring to complex forms and movements. Ultimately, the artwork's power resides in its ability to evoke a sense of dynamism and immediacy through minimal means.